Domestic Assault

Michigan Domestic Violence Attorneys

Domestic violence is a very common crime charged throughout the courts of Michigan. Courts in Wayne, Oakland, Washtenaw, and Macomb Counties routinely handle domestic violence cases. Per the Michigan Domestic Violence Statute, MCL 750.81, the State prohibits one from assaulting or battering another person. Consequently, the domestic violence charge is one of the most prolific charges in Michigan, with over 54,000 cases reported in Michigan in 2004. A question asked by our attorneys is how many of those cases were situations where the defendant was wrongfully charged with domestic violence and yet they pled guilty.

FIRST OFFENSE DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

By far the most commonly charged of the domestic assault misdemeanors in Michigan, the first offense domestic violence charge is enforced daily. If you or a loved one is charged with domestic violence, a number of things need to be considered. First, there is a possibility of jail. While some courts are different than others, coupled with the unique facts of each case, probation is the normal sentence. However, be aware that certain circumstances will result in jail and no matter what; a first offense domestic violence charge carries with it the possibility of up to 93 days incarceration. Additionally, any plea will result in fines, costs, probation, classes, and abstention from alcohol and drugs.

Although a 1st offense domestic violence charge is a frightening experience for most, the Michigan legislature does include a deferral program for first time domestic violence offenders. This deferral allows one to plead guilty, do a mammoth amount of probation, and at the end the charge is dismissed.

Even though many people choose to use the 769.4a deferral, the fact remains that many times the deferral is used to deter innocent people wrongly accused of committing domestic violence from fighting and winning their case.

SECOND OFFENSE DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

If you or somebody you care deeply about is facing a second offense domestic violence in Michigan, the stakes are significantly higher than a first offense. First, the punishment is for a second offense is one year of jail and excessive fines and costs. Additionally, a second offense will likely result in at least some jail time, whether it is an Oakland, wayne, Macomb, or Washtenaw County District Court.

FELONY DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

A felony domestic violence charge is unique in that it requires you or a loved one to have two previous convictions for domestic violence. At the felony level, any conviction has a strong likelihood of jail and a possibility of up to 2 years in prison with fines and costs up to $2,500.00.

If you have been charged with a Michigan felony domestic violence charge, you need to aggressively litigate the case in order to have any chance of success. As criminal lawyers who believe in your innocence, we have a strategy of filing many complex motions all the way through the felony court process. The goal of aggressive criminal litigation in a felony domestic assault case is to either win the case on a technicality, or more importantly, to suppress as much evidence as possible for purposes of greatly increasing your chances of winning the trial.

If you are charged with any assault crime in Michigan, expect to have the entire Amberg & Amberg team fighting for you. With innovative motions and defenses, the courage to stand up to tough prosecutors, and the belief in your innocence, we will fight with you to the end. If you or a family member needs our help, call or email us today.﻿

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